Malaysia rubbishes Singapore port claims

Further to his firm rebuttal yesterday, Anthony Loke said that Malaysia had always had and will continue to have sovereignty over the waters within the Johor Port limits.

In a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, he pointed out that, in accordance with international law, Singapore’s extensive land reclamation in the area did not extend a state’s boundaries and that the territorial sea of Singapore remains unchanged.

“The altered port limits of [Johor Port] are in Malaysia’s territorial sea and it is well within Malaysia’s right to draw any port limit in our territorial sea in accordance with our own national laws,” said Mr Loke.

He also stressed that Malaysia had taken prudent action to accurately promulgate the alteration via the Federal Government Gazette and to issue the necessary Port Circulars and Notices to Mariners.

He therefore urged Singapore to immediately withdraw its Port Marine Circular issued on November 30 and prevent its enforcement agencies from further intruding into Malaysia’s territorial sea.

Mr Loke also pointed out that Malaysia was prepared to engage with Singapore through appropriate diplomatic channels towards an amicable resolution.